All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on the development of Barcelona prodigy Ilias Akhomach, amid rumours of the Spanish winger's forthcoming departure from the prestigious LaLiga outfit.

What's the latest on Akhomach to Arsenal?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Gunners have joined fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United in the pursuit of the 18-year-old prospect, with previous reports from the same publication stating that the Whites were firmly in the lead for his signature.

Mikel Arteta's side have, however, held an interest in the ace for some time, with the north London outfit's manager crafting a youthful team capable of competing for major silverware across multiple fronts.

With AC Milan and Sevilla also considering a bid, Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar must act swiftly if he is to secure the services of one of the most talented starlets in the game.

Who could Ilias Akhomach emulate at Arsenal?

Arsenal are flying this season, occupying the top spot in the English top-flight and indeed looking good for a gleaning of English gold at the end of the term, currently eight points ahead of holding champions Manchester City.

While the fortunes are flowing at present, the club's hierarchy will have one eye on cementing sustained success for the future, especially given that the bulk of the current success lies in the onus placed on youth.

Bukayo Saka, 22, and Gabriel Martinelli, 21, have forged a deadly and dynamic partnership on the offensive flanks, while the club's star centre-back William Saliba is only 22 years old and is playing his maiden year in English football, too.

Frankly, there's no better place to kickstart a career for an aspiring and talented phenom, and Akhomach, who has made 48 appearances for Barcelona's youth sides, as well as making three senior appearances, could well unlock his potential at the Emirates Stadium.

Hailed as a "novelty" by reporter Alfredo Martínez, Akhomach has made 11 outings for Spain's U19s, scoring three goals, and has already demonstrated his aptitude on the major stage with a starring performance for La Blaugrana last season.

As per Sofascore, Akhomach recorded an impressive 7.7 rating against Mallorca in last season's LaLiga edition, completing 88% of his passes and making three key passes, creating one big chance and also winning five of his ten ground duels – evidently a player with a "lot of talent", in the words of one ESPN correspondent.

The "wonderkid", as proclaimed by Goal, could emulate the success of the aforementioned Martinelli in north London, who Edu snagged for just £6m from homeland outfit Ituano in 2019, when the Brazilian gem was 18 years old himself.

Martinelli has been incredible this season, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists from 27 Premier League starts, creating 1.5 key passes per match and completing an assured 83% of his passes, as per Sofascore.

Perhaps more of a natural finisher than his Spanish younger, Martinelli has made the increments to his game over the years spent at the club, and Akhomach should definitely take note and craft his own fruitful fortunes at a club renowned for developing and nurturing first-rate talent into players of world-class calibre.

West Ham United have reached an agreement to sign Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca for €36m (£31m) this summer with the news confirmed by the Italian club’s CEO.

Speaking to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirmed that an “agreement” was “in place” with the Hammers for Scamacca. The news was also reported by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

Signing a striker is something that West Ham manager David Moyes has been wanting to do for a while and it appears that he’s now found his man in the highly rated Italian.

The East London outfit were recently linked to Chelsea striker Armando Broja but it now appears they have decided to prioritise signing Scamacca instead.

Supporters will be delighted with the news and given his impressive performances in Serie A last season they have every reason to be.

In 36 appearances for Sassuolo, he scored 16 goals and averaged at least one shot on target per game. At just 23 years old it’s a real coup for West Ham to have secured such a prolific goalscorer for such a low price.

The Italian has been described as “brilliant” by football journalist Sean Markus Clifford and given his numbers it’s hard to disagree.

He will no doubt be relishing the chance to showcase his skills in the Premier League and if he replicates his form from last season then the Hammers will have made the perfect investment.

One player he could potentially lineup alongside for West Ham is Michail Antonio. A fan favourite at the London Stadium, the pair could form a dream duo and together fire West Ham back into the top 6.

Antonio’s form last season is similar to Scamacca’s, with the Jamaican being directly involved in 18 goals during his 36 league appearances for the club.

He was crucial in helping them qualify for the Europa Conference League, and the arrival of the Italian will only give him even more motivation to improve.

They can work extremely well together with Antonio’s experience benefiting Scamacca who can offer something new to the team.

It’s amazing how much one addition can transform the look of your side, but with the addition of the 23-year-old, the Hammers will look incredibly dangerous going forward.

AND in other news: Journalist drops “surprise” transfer claim that’ll leave West Ham supporters gutted…

West Ham United are believed to be edging ever closer to landing Chelsea youngster, Armando Broja…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are nearing an agreement with the Albanian striker regarding personal terms, while discussions are also said to be “ongoing” with the Blues.

Writing on Twitter about the 20-year-old, the respected insider stated: “Armando Broja will clarify his future very soon. West Ham are really close to reaching an agreement with Broja on personal terms, talks ongoing with Chelsea.

“There are many clubs interested – Chelsea, on it. Broja’s on his way back to England as @AdamNewson reports.”

Romano put out a later update, sharing the following: “Details of the official bid submitted by West Ham for Broja: £30m total fee. Waiting for Chelsea answer, then buy back/future sale percentage will be discussed.”

As Romano hinted at above, the 14-cap gem has left his current side’s tour of the United States in order to return to England to get a deal over the line, having only belatedly joined up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad in the first place due to the rampant speculation over his future.

Recent reports have suggested that the Slough-born starlet – who is also believed to be attracting attention from Frank Lampard’s Everton – could be set to move to the London Stadium on a loan deal, having previously been linked with a £30m permanent switch.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will undoubtedly be buzzing to hear that the deal is heading in the right direction, having perhaps been somewhat concerned when the £8.5k-per-week menace had linked up with his fellow teammates on tour, following the lack of movement regarding a departure.

A new centre-forward addition has been a necessity for manager David Moyes this summer due to the ongoing burden on current number nine, Michail Antonio, with the Jamaica international the only, recognised senior striker in the squad at present.

The 32-year-old – who is the club’s highest scorer in Premier League history – has gone from something of a makeshift stand-in to a real, genuine goalscoring threat in attack, having netted ten goals in each of the past three top-flight campaigns.

That being said, he endured a particularly dry spell in the second half of last term, scoring just three league goals in 2022, with Moyes and co also perhaps paying the price in Europe for their lack of a genuine alternative.

The former Nottingham Forest man has himself admitted that the Irons are in need of striking competition to help carry the workload, having been without a direct rival since Sebastian Haller’s departure for Ajax 18 months ago.

In Broja then, GSB will be adding a young and hungry asset who has proven his credentials in the top tier, notably netting nine goals in all competitions while on loan at Southampton last season, including bagging six goals in the league.

Although the east Londoners have a long-running tradition for making failed, centre-forward signings, the hope will be that the £19.8m-rated brute can buck the trend, having shown promising glimpses of his talent under Ralph Hasenhuttl in the 2021/22 campaign.

If he can replicate and build upon that form under Moyes next season, then supporters will no doubt be in for a real treat.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Moussa Diaby in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the Magpies have not given up on a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen attacker.

It has previously been reported that it will cost £50m to sign the Frenchman and Jones has now claimed that PIF may end up spending too much money to bring him in.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Diaby is the priority and they’re sticking to that. I still think that this might be a transfer whereby they end up slightly overpaying if that’s what it takes to get him.”

Supporters will be buzzing

This update will leave the Toon supporters buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it shows that PIF have a clear plan on who they want to sign and are willing to stick by it, even if it means they overspend by the end of the window.

This proves that they are not relying on agents to lead their interest. As a club looking to improve their squad this summer, representatives may offer out their clients to the Magpies and tempt them into pursuing them – when they may not be the right profile of player to bolster Eddie Howe’s team.

Instead, they have their own targets and are not willing to budge at the first sight of adversity. Fans will be delighted with this because it proves that PIF will stick to their guns and go the extra mile to get their top target in, rather than settling for a player further down their list.

The supporters will also be buzzing with this news because Diaby has the potential to be a sublime addition to the squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

In the Bundesliga last season, the Frenchman produced an outstanding 13 goals and 12 assists for Leverkusen as he showcased his ability to make a major impact in the final third. He has shown that he can score and assist goals on a regular basis at the top level and fans will be excited by the prospect of him doing just that for Newcastle next term.

At the age of 22, he is also a player with the scope to improve. Diaby is a young winger who can grow with experience and increase his output over time, allowing Toon supporters to enjoy watching his progression in the years to come.

AND in other news, PIF can land Howe’s very own Bowen as NUFC eye move for “very talented” £20m “baller”…

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of set-piece specialist Gianni Vio.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by Marco Conterio, with the TuttoMercatoWeb chief editor revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Antonio Conte is now set to add the 69-year-old coach to his backroom staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In his tweet, the Italian journalist said: “Surprise at Tottenham. Close to joining the staff of Antonio Conte is Gianni Vio. Set-piece wizard, he was one of the secrets of Italy’s victory at the European Championships (Leonardo Bonucci’s goal in the final against England stems from his scheme).”

Conte will be buzzing

Considering just how well-regarded Vio is in the professional game, not to mention the success the coach has enjoyed during his career in various different posts, the fact that Spurs look close to appointing the Italian is sure to have left the 52-year-old Spurs manager buzzing.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Indeed, the set-piece specialist claims to have mastered 4,830 different dead-ball routines, having previously worked with sides such as Italy at EURO 2020, Catania, AC Milan, Leeds United, SPAL and Brentford.

One manager particularly enamoured with the coach is Walter Zenga, who, after reading Vio’s book entitled That Extra 30 Per Cent – named as such because “that’s how much set pieces can improve a team’s goal tally” according to the Italian – appointed the 69-year-old as part of his backroom staff at then-Serie A side Catania ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.

That season, I Rossazzurri comfortably secured their status in the Italian top flight, with 17 of their 44 goals (39%) coming from dead balls – leading Zenga to claim:

“A 20-goal-per-season player can get injured, he can get suspended. But there are set pieces in every game. Always. And [Vio] knows how to exploit them best. He’s very skilled at it. He manages to get players scoring who otherwise wouldn’t score.”

As such, should Vio have a similar impact following his impending appointment in north London this summer, not only would the Italian appear an incredibly astute move by Conte, but he could also prove to be one of Tottenham’s most profitable signings of the summer window.

AND in other news: Di Marzio: Spurs now have another “done deal” after Richarlison, Conte will be buzzing

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell has revealed that Jack McConnell now wants to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Down the pecking order

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst can already call upon Allan McGregor, Robby McCrorie, Jon McLaughlin and Kieran Wright as goalkeeping options for next season, leaving McConnell firmly down the pecking order.

The 18-year-old has never made a senior appearance for the Gers, and his long-term future now looks set to be away from Ibrox.

The Latest: McConnell wants to leave

Taking to Twitter, Campbell has revealed that McConnell is now ‘on the lookout’ for a new club this summer and would be ‘interested’ in a move outside of Scotland in order to advance his career.

The journalist tweeted: “Rangers goalkeeper Jack McConnell is on the lookout for a new club. He was the 18s’ first pick last season and was in goal as they won the Scottish Cup. Only 18 and has good distribution. Is understood to be interested in a move outside of Scotland to further his career.”

The Verdict: It’s for the best

Moving McConnell on is certainly in the best interests of both player and club.

With four goalkeepers in front of him, it just seems very unlikely that he would get a chance in the first team anytime soon, so he needs to play at a club where he will get regular game-time.

Incidentally, the teenager also shares the same agent as Borna Barisic, who has been linked with a move away from Rangers this summer, so perhaps his agent could help negotiate a move out of Ibrox for McConnell.

West Bromwich Albion can seriously upgrade their midfield and give their promotion push next season a huge boost by signing Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury this summer.

The Baggies have been strongly linked to Choudhury recently with the Birmingham Mail reporting that Leicester would be willing to let the player leave, but would prefer a permanent deal rather than a loan.

Whether West Brom are willing to pay the fee required is another matter, but if they’re not, then in any loan deal they would still have to pay 80% of his wages, according to The Express and Star.

They are also not the only club interested with fellow Championship side Middlesbrough also admirers of the player. Steve Bruce’s side need to do all they can to land the 24-year-old who can seriously improve their midfield.

The club’s current squad is in need of a refresh, and we think that Choudhury would be a better option than club captain Jake Livermore. As controversial as it may sound, at 32 years old, the Baggies skipper isn’t getting any younger.

If they are to compete at the top end of the league, they need players who are almost Premier League quality, and Livermore certainly isn’t that anymore.

He made 37 appearances for the West Midlands side last season so played a key part, and having previously played under Bruce at Hull City, he’ll be tough for the manager to drop.

However, just because he wouldn’t be starting as many games doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have a key role to play, particularly in the dressing room if the team are fighting to go up.

Choudhury has been described as “excellent” by journalist Baz Cooper, and his performances in a Leicester shirt have seen him talked about as a future England star.

Bruce has also admired him for a long time and even wanted to bring him to Newcastle United during his sting on Tyneside.

If you compare him to Livermore you can see he performs better in many areas, he makes on average 2.0 interceptions per game which is better than the WBA captain’s 1.1.

He also won an impressive 70% of duels last season with Livermore winning 47%. This is simply a transfer West Brom have to be making.

AND in other news: Bruce now closing in on “brilliant” £27k-p/w West Brom target, just imagine him & Dike…

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester City have an agreement in place to sign Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega if Zack Steffen departs this summer.

The Lowdown: Ortega’s a free agent

The 29-year-old worked his way up through the academy ranks with the Bundesliga outfit before leaving in 2014 to join 1860 Munich, only to return to his boyhood club three years later.

However, the shot-stopper’s contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of the month, and following Arminia’s relegation, it’s since been confirmed that he will be leaving the club, and it looks like he could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: City have agreement ready

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that City have already got a deal in place for Ortega, and that it’s simply a matter of time before it gets completed. He wrote:

“Manchester City are really interested in signing Stefan Ortega, as called by @Sky_Dirk today. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in place with City to sign as free agent.

“Deal depends on Zack Steffen to find a good solution on the market, but Ortega’s waiting for City.”

The Verdict: Competition for Ederson

With Steffen looking elsewhere as a result of his lack of game time, Pep Guardiola will now be on the hunt to find a suitable replacement as a backup for current number one Ederson, and Ortega more than has the ability to provide some serious competition for the Brazilian.

Standing at 6 foot, the man between the sticks held a hugely impressive record in the Bundesliga last season, clocking up 33 appearances and making at least ten more saves (125) than any other goalkeeper in the German league.

Ortega is a player comfortable with the ball at his feet, and that’s an attribute that the Spaniard loves his stoppers to have, and the fact that City could bring him to the Etihad for the price of absolutely nothing saves the transfer coffers for bigger investments elsewhere in the squad.

Leeds United remain locked in talks with Birmingham City for midfielder George Hall.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

Hall, described as a ‘really exciting’ player, was linked with a summer move to Elland Road back in March.

The 18-year-old first caught the eye playing for England at youth level last November, with reports recently suggesting the Whites had firmed up their interest and were willing to make a seven-figure offer.

Capable of playing anywhere in midfield and even in attack, Phil Hay has even said that Leeds are lining up moves for both Hall and West Ham’s Sonny Perkins.

The Latest: ‘Remain in talks’

MOT Leeds News relayed an update regarding Leeds from Saturday’s print edition of The Daily Mail.

They claimed that the Whites ‘remain in talks’ with Birmingham for Hall, have discussed a move for PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and still want to sign Perkins.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-45/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Just what the U23s need?

Hall played as a central and attacking midfielder, on the wing and as a centre-forward last season, so would offer plenty of versatility in Yorkshire.  You’d expect that he’d initially link up with the U23s at Thorp Arch, who are fairly short of central midfield options.

One of the key midfielders for the U23s last season was Lewis Bate, who is expected to attract loan interest this summer, so Hall could be the perfect addition as Leeds continue to target the best young players in the country as well as bolstering their first-team squad with three additions so far.

In other news: Orta now working on signing 31-goal striker for free; famous Leeds fan may help Elland Road move. 

Everton are in need of bolstering their squad this summer following a difficult Premier League season, and now they are reportedly interested in a new target ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are interested in signing Stade Rennais left-back Adrien Truffert.

As per the report, the Toffees are following the player’s situation alongside West Ham United, Leicester City, Ajax and Hoffenheim this summer.

Baines 2.0

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be wanting to add quality and depth to his Merseyside based squad ahead of next season to ensure they don’t find themselves in another tough relegation battle and Truffert could be the perfect addition to make an instant impact in the team.

Lampard has a penchant for developing young players with Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja just four of the players the former Chelsea boss has brought into the spotlight, and the 20-year-old Frenchman could be his next youth project at Goodison Park.

By no means is Truffert inexperienced with 75 appearances in total and has been a standout player for Rennes, with high praise after his debut in 2020 from former coach Julien Stéphan who hailed the youngster “ultra decisive”.

This season the £10.8m-rated dynamo has shown his quality more than ever over his 30 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring three goals, delivering two assists and creating two big chances, as well as making 1 tackle and winning 2.7 duels on average per game, proving that he has the potential to be a threat in attacking play and offers defensive qualities too.

The young left-back could follow in the footsteps of Everton legend Leighton Baines who signed for the Toffees when he was just 22-years-old back in 2007, becoming one of the most promising left-sided defenders in the Premier League, earning 30 caps for the England national team thanks to his impressive impact at club level.

Truffert is currently in the France U21 team and will surely be hoping that he can one day break into the senior France team, something he could achieve by gaining more game-time and developing his craft with Everton just like Baines did for England.

With that being said, Lampard could unearth a great young prospect in the squad that can help him not only add depth on the left side of the squad but Truffert could also add another attacking threat in the side by emulating his success in forward play at Rennes.

AND in other news: Offer accepted: Everton closing in on 1st summer signing, Lampard will be ecstatic